Airport smokers about to go undercover

﻿Christchurch Airport is stubbing out the practice
of visitors having a quick smoke around the airport
frontage.

Three new designated smoking areas open today near
the almost-completed terminal, to filter out the problem of smokers
seeking protection from the elements.

CIAL Chief Executive Jim Boult says the smoking
areas respect people's rights to smoke and are a response to
requests.

"The health effects of cigarette smoking are well
known, but whether or not to smoke is a personal decision. We
provide large buildings constantly used by the public, so we need
to provide for smokers," he says.

"We have a new terminal building of which we,
airport stakeholders and Christchurch residents are very proud. The
visual and health and safety aspects of smokers huddled at the
terminal entrances and building frontage detract from this and from
everyone's experience here, so we have come up with this
solution.

"We are the Gateway to the South, the best New
Zealand has to offer and we are constantly looking for
ways to improve every person's experience on the airport
campus."

The smoking areas are positioned outside the new
terminal, the international arrivals hall and the Regional
Terminal. They are complemented by planter boxes and new
pathways.

"Airports all over the world usually leave smokers a
space to smoke together, but it is often in a dark corner or
outside area. That's not what we want to offer visitors and
staff.

"We are offering smokers shelter from sun, rain and
wind, as well as seating and lighting for night use and
security."